Show from Wed Nov 28 14:18:45 CST 2007
Dorothy Parhams - Sankofa Literary Society Audio EzineLast program description:
The Blues for Annie Mae by D J Parhams
Profound and Life Affirming Experience, October 14, 2007
By L. Shirley "Laurie's Boomer Views"
"The Blues For Annie Mae" by D.J. Parhams-----
Grab a box of Kleenex and prepare to embark on a deeply intense and emotional journey with Annie Mae Jenkins. Author D.J. Parhams with her first novel, "The Blues For Annie Mae" has truly given us a gift. A wonderful reminder that life is worth living. It is a story of digging deep, of finding the spirit within you that will see you through life's toughest moments. Parhams takes us on a roller coaster of emotions - anger, sorrow and fear, but also joy and laughter and you will be left sighing and smiling.
Tougher then tough have been most of the moments in Annie Mae Jenkin's life. From early childhood on,she is abused by a mentally unstable mother and life itself. It makes of fighter of Annie Mae, but in turn deepens her need for her mother's love. She lives through seemingly unbearable events, physical and verbal abuse, through a drug filled young adulthood, to a devastating illness and still finds the strength to go on.The hand of life that fate dealt her would make most people want to give up on life. But... it is at her lowest points, that Annie Mae seems the strongest. In that hand, she holds an ace. Her love of music, most particularly the Blues. The Blues are part of her very being. She feels them, lives them and boy can she sing them. And when she is down so low, it doesn't seem like she will ever get up, it is the Blues and one caring being that point Annie on the road to her dreams.
D.J. Parhams has a unique and fresh writing style, creating situations you may find yourself relating to.She uses marvelous street language and colorful descriptive phrases. Some of which you may want to make your own when the occasion calls for it.The characters and dialogue were very real and a refreshing change of pace. She puts you right there in Annie's head and into the setting. I became so touched and attached to Annie Mae, I wanted to protect her and hug her and let her know she was loved. As I reached the end, I felt I wanted to slow down and savor the words, the story and the life-affirming feeling I had.
Although I am not reviewing much here any more, I could not let this one go without a big shout out and a very enthusiastic recommendation. It is truly a book that will have you involved from first page to last, one that says- find your ace in the hole! And... don't forget those Kleenex!(I got choked up just writing this review)
A couple of notes on the book itself. First if you are offended by four letter words, you may want to skip it. I for one felt that the language was part of Annie Mae's story and added greatly to the setting. The other thing is that just like our heroine Annie Mae, this book is in need of some tender lovin care. The editing is not the best, but the story is so good, it's easy to overlook. I am also informed that there will be a newly edited version out soon.
Bravo Ms. Parhams for a truly profound experience.....Laurie